German Media: How International Press Views Trump’s Beijing Visit

Regarding the U.S. President Trump’s visit to China, which concluded on Friday, Spain’s El Mundo wrote:

"The meeting with Trump has become a platform for China to showcase its political, diplomatic, and symbolic strength—and this display ultimately culminated in a definitive warning from Beijing to Washington on the Taiwan issue…"

The core of this summit was China’s signal on the Taiwan question. China warned that any 'inappropriate' actions regarding Taiwan could dangerously escalate the situation. Although phrased in diplomatic language, this statement still constitutes a direct warning to the United States. China reiterates once again: Taiwan is Beijing’s red line, and Beijing will not tolerate any challenge on this issue…

The tone of both leaders clearly indicates that neither Beijing nor Washington currently wishes to confront each other directly, lest it further destabilize the global economy and geopolitical landscape…

Given this context, both sides reached pragmatic consensus on a range of issues—including Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring global economic stability, and attempting to ease tensions in trade and technology fields.

However, on the political level, the overall impression left by this summit remains China’s demonstration of strength and its core message to Washington: China hopes to avoid open confrontation, but also believes that the global balance of power is increasingly tilting in China’s favor, and that China stands ready at any moment to fight uncompromisingly for its own interests."

France’s Les Échos: "Europe Has Been Completely Ignored"

"From a European perspective, the situation is extremely grim. When the two leaders discussed trade and the Middle East—issues directly affecting Europe—they gave Europeans absolutely no voice. Was Europe mentioned during the talks between the U.S. and Chinese leaders? This evokes memories of Trump bypassing Europe to discuss Ukraine with Putin.

Before launching a war against Iran, Washington neither informed Europe nor anticipated the possibility of the Strait of Hormuz being blocked—yet Europe's energy supply depends heavily on this maritime route. The U.S. president requested Beijing’s help to pressure Tehran into concessions. What concerned Americans was whether they would need to reduce their support for Taiwan. But what about Europe? Doesn’t Europe deserve to be consulted?

When Trump first took office, he threatened to use tariffs to force China into submission. Yet ultimately, he had to yield to China’s dominance over rare earths and retract some of those tariffs. Now, he seeks to strengthen and expand trade and investment ties between the U.S. and China. Given his long-standing tendency to scapegoat economic groups, it wouldn't be surprising if this time he turns Europe into a scapegoat."

Netherlands’ Trouw: The U.S. Has Become a "Mired Giant"

"The Chinese admiration for the United States in the past has now turned into confusion over America’s political direction—and sometimes even schadenfreude toward American social problems like poverty.

China increasingly views the unpredictable behavior of Trump during his second term as confirmation of the belief that the U.S. is declining and will soon be surpassed by China. Just before Trump’s arrival, China announced that its artificial intelligence development no longer requires American technology—a move that underscores China’s growing independence.

In light of this, more and more countries see the U.S. as a 'mired giant,' a superpower trapped in the quagmire of geopolitical intervention and ambition—an image sharply contrasting with the one Trump himself portrays."

Italy’s La Stampa: The G2 Era Has Arrived

"Trump’s recent trip to China reflects a new strategy embedded in the U.S. National Security Strategy: the U.S. will redefine the world order according to spheres of influence, aligning with China and Russia. Thus, Beijing emerges as a potential partner with whom dialogue is possible.

As long as the price is right, all issues become transactions—including Taiwan and Kyiv. In contrast, Asia and European allies appear less important; they may only be asked to clean up the aftermath, since none possess a formidable, resolute autocratic leader capable of representing their own interests. La Stampa: The G2 Era Has Arrived Image source: Kenny Holston/AFP

Welcome to the G2 era inaugurated in Beijing—perhaps even Putin may find a seat at the table. Goodbye, G7!"

UK’s The Times: Trump’s China Policy Has Completely Changed

The White House has resumed emphasizing the benefits of economic cooperation with China. Trump enthusiastically praised the idea of establishing a brand-new 'constructive strategic stability relationship'—a tone reminiscent of past U.S. presidents who advocated strengthening Sino-American relations.

The American business delegation accompanying Trump on this visit also signals that economic 'decoupling' has become history.

Nevertheless, China has yet to surpass the United States. Given China’s deep-seated structural challenges and the dynamic vitality of the U.S. economy, China may never catch up with America. But one thing is clear: the times have changed. The brief unipolar world is gone—the current era features two superpowers."

Content excerpted from other media outlets, does not represent DW’s position or views.

Source: DW

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865329503376396/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.